Canaries Holidays

Whether it’s Lanzarote’s lava-laden landscapes, Tenerife’s traditional towns, Gran Canaria’s golden dunes or Fuerteventura’s family resorts, one thing that we do know is that the Canary Islands are a perfect blend of sun, sand and sea. It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking a fun-filled family holiday, a romantic couples’ escape or a last-minute break, this cluster of islands with its coast-hugging beaches, winding forests and year-round sunshine has something for everyone – so take your pick!

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Best beaches in the Canaries | All Inclusive holidays in the Canaries | Best hotels in the Canaries | 2022 holidays in the Canaries | Family holidays in the Canaries | Luxury holidays in the Canaries | Winter sun holidays in the Canaries | Nightlife in the Canaries | Things to eat in the Canaries | Culture in the Canaries | Things to do in the Canaries | What’s the weather like in the Canaries? | Canaries Important information | Reviews |

Best beaches in the Canaries

Think teal-tinted waters blending into a pillowy-soft coastline – that’s what dreams are made of. The Canaries combines small coastal villages with lively beach resorts, so you can find a beachy backdrop that works for you. Many of the most natural beaches on the Canary Islands are lined with a rich, volcanic sand, but there are plenty of golden coves to lay down a towel if that’s more your style. Maspalomas in Gran Canaria frames the coast in a languid 17km stretch, pairing desert-like sand dunes with a brilliantly blue seascape for a colourful scene that can’t be missed. If beachfront wanders and watersports are on your to-do list then Corralejo in Fuerteventura is a popular choice with its white sands and open seas, whilst Papagayo in Lanzarote encompasses rocky headlands and translucent waters perfect for snorkeling. Plus, there are always a handful of waterfront bars and restaurants within easy reach, so you can make a whole day of it.

Looking to get active on your Canary island Holiday? Check out these fantastic cycling holidays in Majorca and the Canaries!

All Inclusive holidays in the Canaries

You can have it all when you opt for an All Inclusive holiday to the Canaries. Not only will your beach break be filled with sunshine – this destination is well-loved for its year-round good weather – you’ll also get your food, drink and fun in a lovely package too; a lovely package holiday that is. Whether you’ll be living it up in Lanzarote or making memories in Gran Canaria, you can get away your way when you go all in. You can rest assured that restaurants and bars will adhere to strict hygiene guidelines, so you can kick back with your complimentary cocktail (or coffee) without a care in the world.

Best hotels in the Canaries

You might be looking to soak up the sunshine but choosing the right hotel for you is an important part of any holiday, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Canaries. From family-friendly resorts with kids’ menus, mini clubs and waterparks to peaceful adult-only hotels with quiet pools and on-site spas, these islands have something for everyone. Paradise Lago Taurito & Aqua Park is the perfect pick for a break with the kids in Gran Canaria, bursting at the seams with sports facilities and an extravagant pool complex with thrilling waterslides. Looking for something a little quieter? Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa is a great choice for an adults-only Tenerife trip, whilst Oasis Duna is nestled amongst tropical gardens in Fuerteventura for a truly idyllic setting.

Looking for the perfect hotel in the Canaries? Check out our blog on the Canaries with Blue Bay hotels !

2022 holidays in the Canaries

Well, if ever we’ve needed a holiday to look forward to, it’s now. Booking next year’s flights and hotel today means you can start looking forward to that Spanish sun, sea and sand right away. We can’t think of a better way to brighten up the winter than with an exciting 2022 Canaries holiday countdown! Whether you fancy sneaking in a winter break in January or February, or getting the summer started with a bang, the Canary Islands are great for grand plans. From school holidays to romantic escapes, this island is just the ticket for the hot holiday you deserve.

Family holidays in the Canaries

The Canaries have long been a firm favourite when it comes to Family holidays. With gorgeous golden beaches, glorious year-round sunshine and fantastic family-friendly hotels, it’s a winner with the whole gang. Little ones will love the splashtastic watersports, aquaparks and ocean adventures, whilst older ones can enjoy some laid-back relaxing in the sun. Jet off to resorts that rank highly for family getaways like Los Cristianos in Tenerife and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, where you can explore beachfront promenades, seafront restaurants and exciting activities the whole family can join in with. From thrilling days out to wild and wacky pool days, the Canary islands offer the family adventure of a lifetime!

Luxury holidays in the Canaries

Escape to the Canary Islands in style with a lavish luxury break like no other. Lap up the sea breeze on the dreamy Corralejo shores in Fuerteventura, where five star hotels are nothing but the norm. Live it up in Gran Canaria’s magnificent Melonares, where you can shop till you drop at fashion boutique high streets and laze away sunny days with an extravagant hotel stay. If picture-perfect hotel hideaways and boating exploration days are your dream kind of getaway, then lay over in Lanzarote’s Puerto del Carmen for a true taste of paradise. Whether your off on a secluded adults-only escape with your loved one or you’ve been saving for the honeymoon holiday of a lifetime – the Canary islands are sure to offer a stunning scenic backdrop to your slice of sun-soaked luxury.

Winter sun holidays in the Canaries

Looking to book a winter break in the Canaries this year? Well, you’re in the right place. Because with its sunny sub-tropical location, the Canaries boast a summery year-round temperature throughout October, November and December. So whilst everyone else is digging out their coats and brollies for the winter days that lay ahead, you’ll be jetting off and kicking back on the sunbed! The cooler temperatures in the winter make it perfect for active holidays in the Canaries. Head off on a hiking holiday in Tenerife to explore Mount Teide, opt for a cycling holiday in Gran Canaria to see its striking volcanic landscapes or try your hand at surfing Lanzarote’s rolling ocean waves.

Nightlife in the Canaries

From the twinkling lights of the famous Playa De Las Americas strip to the laid-back beach bars of Lanzarote and the lively Las Palmas capital, the colourful Canaries offer nightlife adventures to suit all kinds of traveller. For those seeking a more casual end to the day head to Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, where you can enjoy evening meals accompanied by sensational island sunsets and head for after-dinner drinks at lavish cocktail bars. If late-night dance parties, fruity cocktails and up-beat crowds are your kinda thing, then we’d recommend hitting up the Playa De Las Americas strip for your late night antics. Grab your pals for a mates escape filled with sun, sea and feel good fun, party holidays in the Canaries are simply unforgettable.

Things to eat in Gran Canaria

Canarian cuisine is fresh and flavourful, with plenty of variety. You’ll find Spanish classics like tapas and paella in restaurants all over the islands, as well as plenty of local dishes to discover too. For example, you must try mojos, a variety of sauces served with potatoes, meat or fish. Make sure you sample some seafood, wherever you choose to stay. Island holidays mean fresh fish and menus based around the catch of the day. Living that plant-based life, or simply not a fish fan? There are plenty of menus based around deliciously prepared veggies too. Pair these with a local wine (we love the sweet Malmsey wine, produced in the La Geria area of Lanzarote), a classic Spanish sangria or a fresh fruit juice, and your taste buds will be in paradise too.

Culture in the Canaries

The Canary Islands are a part of Spain, and it isn’t just the language that they have in common with the mainland. From food to architecture, you’ll notice nods to Spanish culture wherever you look. These islands also have many influences from Latin America. Life in the Canaries is all about family and food; even better if the two can be combined. There are also plenty of events and celebrations to take part in, such as Las Palmas Carnival in Gran Canaria every May and music festivals such as I Love Tenerife in Costa Adeje. Smaller resort towns or fishing villages may offer weekly markets or local gigs – in many cases you can ask at your hotel reception desk for tips and information about Canarian cuture.

Things to do in the Canaries

Hiking

With their volcanic landscapes, lush greenery and stunning crystal-blue waters, the Canary Islands are perfect for those who love to hike. If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Tenerife and climb the jaw-dropping Mount Tiede, reaching heights of 3718m. In Gran Canaria, there are plenty of trails around the island to choose from, including the 10km hikes up Montaña del Viso and Camino de Santiago. The trails in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote may not be as well known, but are definitely still worth checking out, especially if you fancy a day exploring in the wonderful Canarian sunshine.

Theme parks

One of the largest waterparks in Europe, Siam Park in Tenerife, promises a fun-filled day for all the family. Get your adrenaline pumping with the 28m-high Tower Power or sit back, relax and take it easy on the Mai Thai Lazy River. Over in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria you can head to Aqualand, offering a fantastic variety of pools and slides for all-round family fun! If you prefer to stay dry, there’s the Angry Birds Activity Park located in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria that’s a hit with the younger ones.

Watersports

The beautiful islands offer sun-soaked beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, which can only mean one thing….watersports! From surfing to wakeboarding, scuba diving to paragliding – there’s something for everyone. Those who love to ride the waves will find the best spots for surfing in Corralejo (Fuerteventura) and La Santa in Lanzarote. If windsurfing is your passion, make sure to go to one of the best windsurfing spots in the world - Pozo Izquiero in Gran Canaria. With crystal-clear waters, it’s great for those who prefer to be underwater rather than on top of it, as scuba diving and snorkelling is a fantastic experience when you’re in the Canary Island waters.

Vibrant Nightlife

If you’re hoping to dance until the early hours, Playa de las Americas in Tenerife has 2 main strips, both lined with bars and clubs including the hugely-popular Linekers Bar. DJs make regular appearances at Tramps Bar, while Murphy’s Irish Pub is great for live music. Over in Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria all offer a great range of bars from chilled-out spots to jazz clubs. Fuerteventura may be a calm, relaxing island, but you can still find your dose of evening fun in Corralejo where you can dance, drink cocktails or even watch some sports with a couple of beers. If it’s clubbing that you want, Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote has the buzzing atmosphere that you need for a fabulous night out on the tiles.

What's the weather like in the Canaries?

The Canary Islands enjoy great weather all year round due to their location just off the west coast of Africa. Summer months have an average of 24°C with highs of 28°C while December and January see temperatures drop to a still warm 17°C. July and August see the smallest amount of rainfall with an average of 1 rainy day while the winter months are slightly wetter with an average of 6 rainy days.

Covid-19 restrictions in the Canaries

To find out more about the current restrictions in the Canaries please visit our Covid Destination Updates page.

Important Information about travelling to the Canaries

How many Canary Islands are there?

The five main Canary islands include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.

How long does it take to fly to the Canaries?

It takes about four and a half hours to fly to the Canaries from the UK.

What’s the time difference between the UK and the Canaries?

There is no time difference between the Canaries and the UK

What language do they speak in the Canaries?

The official language spoken in the Canaries is Spanish.

What currency do they use in the Canaries?

The official currency of the Canaries is the Euro.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we've sent many satisfied customers to the Canary Islands and beyond for a little bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.